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Chuck Davis: Peace, Love, and Respect

Despite his passionate embrace of African heritage and tradition, Chuck Davis did not get to travel to the continent until the late 1970s. But as he explains in Episode 3 of Biographical Conversations with Chuck Davis, it was worth the wait. “It’s a different feeling when you are on the sacred Earth. From the land where you know all of life form began.”

Chuck Davis: Pursuing the Authentic

Episode 2 begins with Dr. Davis’ first performances in New York City, as a member of the legendary drummer Babatunda Olatunji’s company. Dr. Davis reveled in the city’s vibrant culture, and recalls an encounter with Duke Ellington. In the meantime, Dr. Davis studied a wide spectrum of dance, sneaking into Julliard to catch a class with the Martha Graham.

Chuck Davis: Inspired by Tarzan Movies

Chuck Davis: Dance is the Prevention

In Episode 1 of Biographical Conversations with Chuck Davis, the dance maestro describes his childhood in a close-knit neighborhood of Raleigh. “Nowadays, says Dr. Davis, we have adopted the old Nigerian adage that it takes a village to raise a child. In our community, that was taken for granted. Young Charles Davis grew up surrounded by elders who demanded respect. “

J. Gardner expresses disappointment in Sheriff Brown - 3J

James Gardner: The Political Journey

Episode 3 of Biographical Conversations with Jim Gardner, the Republican statesman talks about the barbecue restaurants he opened with his brother. Mr. Gardner also talks about Jim Martin winning the 1984 North Carolina Governorship and the Jim Martin's reelection in 1988. Mr. Gardner concludes the show with some reflections of North Carolina Republicans have made during the past half-century.

J. Gardner talks about the N&O Reporting on Republicans - 3A

J. Gardner talks about the Lt. Gov. position - 3B

James Gardner reveals how running for Lt. Governor would lead to a Republican candidate winning and becoming the Governor of North Carolina. He also expressed his hopes for Republicans controlling both houses someday.

J. Gardner talks about Colin Powell to run for office - 3C

J. Gardner recalls supporting Reginald Hawkins for Gov. - 2I

James Gardner recalls why he supported Reginald Hawkins, first African American to run for Governor in North Carolina since Reconstruction. He also shares why Reginald Hawkins lost the Democratic nomination for Governor.

J. Gardner talk about his 1968 Campaign and daycare - 2J

James Gardner: Ups and Downs

Jim Gardner recalls his early political years serving as an NC US House member and being sword into office by George H.W. Bush. “The show also reveals why Mr. Gardner felt isolated during his two years in the House; a conservative Republican in a chamber dominated by Democrats. He tells why in 1968, he made the decision to run for North Carolina governor rather than seek another house term.

J. Gardner talks about the advice Gerald Ford gave him - 2B

In this ongoing interview series, UNC-TV's Shannon Vickery provides one-on-one biographical conversations with the Tar Heel State's most influential and important figures.

Program DescriptionNorth Carolina is a state rich in history and tradition. And over the decades and centuries since its inception, the state has produced artists, writers, politicians and athletes that have erupted onto the national scene. UNC-TV captures the biographical reminiscences of these extraordinary North Carolinians whose impact and vision have earned them national prominence and a place in history. These one-on-one conversations provide a rare and revealing look at storied North Carolinians, offering unfiltered conversations with exceptional individuals telling their life stories. The series pairs rare vintage and contemporary photographs with these revealing interviews to help viewers visualize the people, places and events that defined the times of these treasured Tar Heels.

Biographical Conversations with... is an ongoing original production of UNC-TV and is funded by a generous grant from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation. The mission of the A.J. Fletcher Foundation is to support nonprofit organizations in their endeavors to enrich the lives and well-being of people in North Carolina. To achieve this, AJF partners with nonprofit organizations that recognize and solve social and civic problems and provides resources to advance big, bold ideas.